Niël Terblanché
Recent statistics released by the Namibian Police have revealed an increase in motor accidents during the past festive season compared to the same period last year.
Despite the rise in accidents, there has been a 14 percent decrease in fatalities, shedding light on the complex road safety situation in the country.
Between November 17, 2022, and January 1, 2023, the police recorded a total of 382 accidents, 711 injuries, and 66 fatalities. In contrast, for the period from November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024, there were 403 accidents and 724 injuries, but only 57 fatalities.
While the decrease in fatalities is seen as a positive development, there are still serious concerns about the overall state of road safety, because accidents increased by five percent, and injuries by two percent during the monitoring period.
The primary concern remains the attitude and behaviour of drivers, with unsafe overtaking and inadequate following distances being common issues on Namibian roads.
Nampol called on all road users to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic rules and regulations. Drivers must also prioritize responsible and cautious behaviour to ensure the well-being of everyone on the road.
According to Nampol road safety is a shared responsibility that extends to all road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders.
Nampol added that is essential for all road users to adopt a responsible and safety-first approach to reduce accidents and injuries.
